The marketing library

Dispatches from the Empire

Free tools, honest comparisons, practical playbooks, and real numbers — everything we'd hand a client, in one place.

Free tools

Interactive tools & downloads

Calculators, a 2-minute scorecard, and print-ready checklists — most need no email.

Compare

Compare your options

Agency vs hire vs freelancer vs embedded specialist — the honest side-by-sides.

Guides & research

Playbooks & real numbers

Practical how-tos and benchmarks from work we've actually done.

Original research

Automotive marketing benchmarks: real dealer numbers

Cost per lead, cost per vehicle sold, and match rates — from campaigns we've actually run.

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Automotive

Car dealership marketing: the 2026 playbook to sell more cars

Local paid media, inventory ads, speed-to-lead, and reputation — the system that moves metal.

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Local SEO

Google Business Profile SEO: how to win the map pack

The fastest-moving lever in local marketing — ranked step by step.

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Paid Media

Facebook & Instagram ads for local businesses that actually work

The parts most businesses skip — objectives, funnel, creative, follow-up.

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AI

AI marketing for small businesses: what actually works in 2026

Where AI earns its keep, where it fails, and how to keep a human accountable.

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Budget

How much should a small business spend on marketing?

The 2026 benchmarks by growth stage — and where the budget should go.

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Paid Media

How much should you actually spend on Google Ads?

Set a budget tied to your goals, not guesswork.

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Outbound

Cold email that lands: deliverability in 2026

Win the real game — getting into the inbox.

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Web & CRO

7 CRO quick wins that lift conversion this month

Fast, cheap changes that move the needle.

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SEO · AI Visibility

AEO & GEO: getting your brand cited by AI search

Answer Engine and Generative Engine Optimization, explained.

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AI

AI marketing agents: hype vs. what actually works

The honest version of what AI can and can't do.

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Explainers

The model, defined

The embedded-specialist and fractional-CMO models, explained plainly.

By location

Marketing help in your area

A dedicated specialist embedded in your team — wherever you do business.

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A free audit hands you the strategy applied to your business.

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